Off-duty Memphis firefighter killed in motorcycle crash identified

James Hightower has been identified as the off-duty Memphis firefighter killed Friday in a motorcycle crash.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office said Hightower collided head-on with a SUV at Macon and Rebel roads in Cordova around 10 p.m. Friday.

Hightower was taken to Regional Medical Center in critical condition where he died.

The Memphis Fire Department said Hightower, a 22-year veteran, was a lieutenant with the department, said fire department spokesman Lt. Wayne Cooke in a statement.

"An outstanding individual, a valuable and highly respected member of our team who will be greatly missed by the women and men of this department. We extend our sincere thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and loved ones. RIP Lieutenant James Hightower," Cooke said in the statement.